Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tragedy: Ian Redmond and Gemma Houghton on their wedding day on the 7th August, before they flew to the Seychelles for their honeymoon

A British honeymooner was killed by a shark in the Seychelles yesterday as his bride watched in horror from the beach.

Ian Redmond, 30, who had been snorkelling 20 yards off shore, suffered appalling injuries to his leg and arm in the second fatal attack in the area in two weeks.

His widow Gemma Redmond, 27, said the couple were 'having so much fun' on their dream holiday and paid tribute to her 'handsome and caring' husband.

The wedding: The couple from Lancashire married just ten days ago, before Ian Redmond was tragically killed by the shark yesterday - which hasn't been found yet.

Mrs Redmond said: 'Myself, our families and our friends are devastated and shocked by what has happened. The loss of Ian has left a gaping hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

'He was always calm and collected, strong and brave, witty and intelligent, handsome and caring, a remarkable individual who will be deeply and sorely missed. We are privileged and proud to have shared our lives with him.'

Honeymoon destination: The British honeymooner was snorkelling 20 yards off shore at Anse Lazio beach (pictured), off the island of Praslin in the Seychelles

The tragedy unfolded in Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin, regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and a favourite honeymoon destination for thousands of Britons every year.

Mr Redmond and Gemma Houghton, both from Lancashire, married eleven days ago.
She was sunbathing when his desperate cries for help echoed across the shore.

The Seychelles: Praslin Island is one of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that make up the Seychelles

Within moments a holidaymaker in a dinghy had dragged him on board and brought him ashore, where onlookers battled in vain to save him.

'We heard screaming and people started running down the beach towards the water,' one American tourist said.

'Someone had seen a fin sticking out of the water, and then we saw a dinghy pulling a man from the water.

Idyllic: The newly-weds were staying at the luxurious La Reserve hotel on Praslin island during their honeymoon

'I saw the swimmer, who was missing a huge chunk of flesh from his left leg, so much so that I could see the bone of his thigh. He was sickeningly pale, but still had his flippers on both feet.

'At this point a woman ran over and started screaming. She said: "That’s my husband! We were just married".

'Someone grabbed her and tried to keep her away. People all over the beach were just hugging whoever was close to them or trying to keep any children from witnessing what was going on.'